SAN ANTONIO � It was an early morning for Kansas State coach Ron Prince and players Josh Freeman, Ian Campbell and Rob Jackson, who left Manhattan by private jet shortly after 6 a.m. on Wednesday. They kicked-off activities at the Wyndham's St. Anthony Hotel after braving torrential downpours while en route to the Big 12 Media Days. Campbell was hardly dry in his replies to reporters as well.

Q: What are your thoughts on facing Auburn, which to some is a 180-degree difference from most non-conference opponents the Wildcats have faced over the years?

Campbell: I feel like to be the best you've got to play against the best. There's no better answer for that question than that. Auburn is a great place to play at. When you think about top football, they're a name that has to come up. We'll also play Fresno State, which will be pretty cool, too. We played them the year before coach Prince got here and that game turned out pretty ugly for us. I'd like to turn that around.

Q: When you think about coach Prince this year, can you reflect on the camaraderie, the relaxation now that he has one year under his belt?

Campbell: Absolutely. The confidence level of everybody is a lot higher. They're used to it. You get into a routine and guys have no problem coming in and talking to coach Prince or any other coach at any time. It's a lot more comforting when you've been with a situation for two years, knowing the guys next to you. With juco guys or freshmen guys, it usually takes a year to get comfortable with each other and we're all buddies now.